Seals and Notices Won’t Stop Food Mafia, Enact Stricter Laws: Former Gujarat Health Minister Writes to Praful Pansheriya

Former Gujarat Health Minister Fires 5 Questions at Incumbent Following a tragic food poisoning incident in the Puna area of Surat that led to the death of a five-year-old girl, former Gujarat health minister and current ruling party MLA Kumar Kanani has fired off a scathing letter to Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya. Challenging the efficacy of temporary drives, Kanani demanded permanent, stringent legislation rather than mere routine inspections, unit closures, and notices.

The letter highlights the systemic failure of food safety mechanisms, raising five piercing questions over the government's response to rampant food adulteration and unhygienic conditions across local eateries.

The lawmaker asserted that routine health department drives follow a predictable pattern: food samples are seized, rotten produce is dumped, and premises are temporarily sealed. However, once the inspection campaign cools down, rogue operators resume business as usual.

Kanani stressed that mere administrative sealing cannot serve as the final punishment. Without strict laws backed by rigorous prosecution, adulterators and fake food manufacturers will continue to operate without fear of consequences.